Hello Pentaxians, I desperately need advice - I want to buy macro lens for my MZ-3, both for shooting macro and portraits. There are two candidates: Pentax-FA 100mm/2.8 Macro Sigma 105mm/2.8 EX I prefer using Pentax original gear whenever possible, however this time I am hesitating, there are just too much reasons why to choose Sigma over Pentax:
Weight (g): P=600, S=450. Although Pentax feels very good (once I held it in hands in shop), considering using on light body (MZ-3) and whole-day trips, the light weight Sigma seems better choice. Handling: Sigma has much wider focusing ring. Sigma allows fast switching between MF/AF using focusing ring. Lens length (mm): P=103, S=95. Sigma is slightly better - needs less space in bag. Focal length (mm): P=100, S=105. Sigma is slightly better, both for shooting animals and portraits. Price: Sigma is nearly 20 % cheaper. Design: absolutely not important, however this particular Pentax lens does not look much "spectacularly". Did I forgot something important ? There are some things I know nothing about, so I can't compare them directly - picture quality (which is the most important) I usually do 20*30 or 30*40 cm (8*12 or 12*16 inch). - direction of rotation of focusing ring. Does Sigma use the correct Pentax style ? - mechanical construction/quality/durability. I asked in several shops, and the Sigma was always praised as top quality (even by some nearby customers). Should I remain "loyal" to Pentax ? Despite all notes above ? Help !! And thanks for all your comments/advices !! Ivan
